10 Georgia Friday Fish Fries That Keep Families Coming Back Year After Year
Friday night fish fries are a beloved Georgia tradition where families gather for crispy, golden-fried seafood and warm community spirit.
From Atlanta’s soul food landmarks to coastal seafood shacks and church fundraisers, these gatherings offer more than just delicious food – they create lasting memories.
Whether you’re craving catfish, cod, or shrimp, these 10 Georgia fish fries have become weekend institutions that locals can’t resist.
1. Soul Food Heaven at Paschal’s
Hidden in Atlanta’s historic Castleberry Hill, Paschal’s serves up a catfish sandwich that makes taste buds dance with joy. Every Friday, locals flock to this soul food institution for “Freddie’s Fried Fish Friday” special.
Just $10 gets you a perfectly seasoned catfish sandwich, crispy fries, and refreshing peach lemonade. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and family-friendly vibe make it impossible to visit just once.
2. Cozy Comfort at Sweet Potato Café
Tucked away in Stone Mountain, this charming café transforms Fridays into fish feasts that locals mark on their calendars. From noon until 8 PM, their “Fried Fish Friday” brings a steady stream of regulars through the door.
The star of the show? A perfectly crispy fish sandwich that somehow manages to be both light and satisfying. The mom-and-pop atmosphere adds that special something you simply can’t find at chain restaurants.
3. Metro Diner’s Statewide Fish Feast
Metro Diner has cracked the code on perfect fish and chips. With locations in Athens, Augusta, Columbus, and the Savannah area (Pooler), Georgians statewide can get their Friday fish fix without a road trip.
I still remember my first bite of their crispy beer-battered cod – the perfect crunch giving way to flaky fish that melted in my mouth.
Whether you choose the platter or sandwich version, their rotating promotional pricing makes this fish fry easy on the wallet too.
4. Veterans Supporting Veterans at American Legion Post 184
Monthly fish fries at Thunderbolt’s American Legion Post 184 serve up more than just delicious seafood. Every crispy bite supports veterans’ programs that make a real difference in the community.
The casual, family-friendly atmosphere draws crowds from across the Savannah area. Check their calendar for upcoming dates, then round up the family for an evening of good food and even better company.
5. Lenten Tradition at St. Peter the Apostle
When Lent arrives in Savannah, St. Peter the Apostle’s Knights of Columbus Council 10579 fires up the fryers. Their annual Lenten Friday Fish Fry series has become a cherished tradition for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
My family discovered this gem three years ago, and now we plan our spring calendar around their fish fry dates. The option for dine-in fellowship or convenient take-out makes this fish fry accessible for everyone.
6. Buckhead’s Cathedral Fish Fry
Cathedral of Christ the King transforms Friday evenings during Lent into a community celebration. From 5:00 to 7:30 PM, their Knights of Columbus serve up golden fish that keeps Buckhead and North Buckhead families returning year after year.
The bustling parish hall fills with conversation and laughter as neighbors break bread together. Whether you choose dine-in for the full experience or take-out for a quick meal, you’ll understand why this event has become an Atlanta institution.
7. Family-Friendly Pricing at St. Brendan’s
St. Brendan the Navigator in Cumming knows how to make fish fry Fridays work for every budget. Their Lenten fish fries feature separate pricing for kids and adults, making it affordable for the whole family to enjoy.
Running from 4:30 to 7:30 PM during Lent, you can choose between the community atmosphere of dine-in or the convenience of their efficient drive-thru service.
The perfectly crisp fish keeps Cumming families coming back each spring.
8. Decades of Catfish Tradition at Ezell’s
Columbus locals have been flocking to Ezell’s Catfish Cabin for generations. This decades-old institution draws its biggest crowds on Friday nights when families celebrate the end of the workweek with perfectly fried catfish.
Open most days of the week, Ezell’s has perfected their catfish recipe through years of practice. The crispy coating gives way to tender, flaky fish that tastes like Southern comfort on a plate.
9. Coastal Catch at Mr. Shuck’s
Brunswick’s seafood scene shines at family-run Mr. Shuck’s Seafood. Their Friday fish platters and baskets showcase the freshest coastal catches, fried to golden perfection.
Local families make this their dependable Friday dinner stop when nobody wants to cook but everyone wants something delicious.
The no-frills atmosphere lets the food take center stage, with generous portions that satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
10. Timeless Seafood at Desposito’s
Savannah’s seafood history lives on at Desposito’s Seafood in Thunderbolt. This old-school establishment traces its roots back to the 1930s and continues to serve classic fried seafood plates that transport diners to a simpler time.
Friday evenings find this landmark packed with locals who appreciate tradition and consistently delicious food. Check their posted hours before heading over for a taste of authentic coastal Georgia that’s remained unchanged for generations.